Israel, Greece conduct joint naval exercise for operational scenarios, sinking hostile ships

The exercise, attended by the commanders of both countries' navies, highlights the growing military cooperation between Jerusalem and Athens and could also be interpreted as a signal to Ankara.Follow us on GoogleAn Israeli Navy patrol boat sails off the coast of Haifa, as seen from Haifa beach, May 26, 2026. (photo credit: Sharon Label/Flash 90)OCTOBER 25, 2026 09:47Israel and Greece conducted a joint naval exercise in the Mediterranean Sea this week, practicing a series of operational scenarios, including sinking an enemy vessel with missile fire, Walla learned on Saturday.The exercise, attended by the commanders of both countries' navies, highlights the growing military cooperation between Jerusalem and Athens and could also be interpreted as a signal to Ankara of their ability to operate together at sea.Israeli Navy missile boats and vessels from several units of the Greek Navy participated in the exercise.The drill was led by Israeli Navy Commander Vice Adm. Eyal Harel and his Greek counterpart, Vice Adm. Dimitrios-Eleftherios Kataras, with the participation of the Chief of the Hellenic National Defense General Staff, Gen. Dimitrios Choupis.During the exercise, the naval units practiced a range of operational scenarios, including identifying and neutralizing maritime threats, sailing as a combined force, and sinking a hostile vessel using missile fire.The two navies also practiced developing a shared maritime operational picture and improving coordination in defensive and offensive scenarios.Greek-Israeli joint naval exercise 370 (credit: IDF Spokesman's Office)Greece, Turkey struggle in longstanding Mediterranean rivalryThe exercise comes amid the longstanding rivalry between Greece and Turkey in the eastern Mediterranean, including disputes over maritime boundaries and territorial rights.Although the IDF did not present the exercise as a message directed at Turkey, the joint offensive drill between Israel and Greece underscores their military capabilities and growing defense ties.In December 2025, Israel, Greece, and Cyprus signed a trilateral military cooperation plan for 2026, covering joint exercises, training programs, working groups, and strategic military dialogue. The agreement was intended to deepen defense cooperation and strengthen regional security and stability.The IDF described the exercise as a significant leap forward in military and naval cooperation between the two countries, aimed at strengthening joint readiness, addressing emerging threats, and preserving freedom of action and navigation in the Mediterranean Sea.Israel, Greece, Cyprus discuss establishing joint rapid-response forceThe growing partnership also follows discussions between Israel, Greece, and Cyprus about establishing a joint rapid-response force capable of operating on land, at sea, or in the air. The initiative, which was under preliminary consideration in December 2025, was intended to strengthen regional deterrence amid concerns about Turkey's expanding military and strategic presence in the eastern Mediterranean."The joint exercise with the Greek Navy represents a significant component in deepening operational cooperation between the two navies. We are constantly working to strengthen the readiness of our forces and expand our capabilities to address emerging threats in the maritime domain,” Harel said.“The strategic partnership with Greece is a significant force multiplier, strengthening our ability to operate together, both defensively and offensively, to safeguard security and freedom of navigation in the Mediterranean Sea."Follow us on Google